Number of U.S. Business Email Attacks by State
Nov 20, 2024
At STACK Cybersecurity, we understand the devastating impact of Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks. These scams target both businesses and individuals, exploiting email systems to commit financial fraud and disrupt operations. Attacks typically occur when cybercriminals gain access to legitimate business email accounts via social engineering or hacking, leading to unauthorized fund transfers.
The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reports show the growing prevalence and financial toll of BEC attacks across the United States. To keep businesses informed and prepared, we've analyzed data from the FBI IC3’s 2021, 2022, and 2023 reports and state-specific statistics.
Our goal is to provide actionable insights and cybersecurity strategies to help protect your business. Below, you’ll find a detailed state-by-state breakdown of BEC statistics, showing the scope of the issue and why it's crucial to take proactive cybersecurity measures.
State-by-State Business Email Compromise (BEC) Statistics
| State | Total Reported Losses (2023) | Number of Victims (2023) | Average Losses Per Victim (2023) | Total Reported Losses (2022) | YOY Changes in Total Reported Losses (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $26,955,606 | 195 | $138,233.87 | $19,629,224 | +37% |
| Alaska | $12,236,756 | 67 | $182,638.15 | $2,987,862 | +310% |
Why These Numbers Matter
These state-specific statistics demonstrate the widespread impact of Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks across the U.S. By showing total losses, victims, average losses per victim, and year-over-year changes, this data emphasizes the need for businesses to implement strong cybersecurity measures to protect against these threats.
Data Highlights
- Alaska experienced a 310% increase in reported losses, making it one of the most affected states.
- Minnesota saw a significant 180% increase in reported losses, with the average victim losing $217,234.12.
- California had the highest reported losses, totaling $412,112,793 despite a slight decrease of 6% from the previous year.
These insights provide valuable information for businesses and cybersecurity professionals to tailor their strategies and prevent similar attacks.
Understanding California's High Numbers
California, with its large population and concentration of tech companies, faces a disproportionately high number of BEC attacks. With over 38 million residents and a thriving business hub in Silicon Valley, it's a prime target for cybercriminals.
- Economic Impact: The high financial losses in California show how critical it is for businesses to invest in cybersecurity.
- Awareness: The state's high reporting rate may also suggest that businesses in California are more proactive about cybersecurity.
State-level BEC statistics help inform businesses about localized risks and prioritize cybersecurity investments where they’re needed most.